Anita Ojeda 
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:52 — 9.9MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | Deezer | RSS | More
Who knew hobbies can improve your spirituality? I didn’t until I started researching for this post.
Do You Want to Improve Your Spirituality?
“Look at this one!” I said with a cackle as I stuck my phone in my husband’s face.
“Hey girl,” Pedro read out loud, “it’s not a sin if it’s below the shin.” He started laughing, too. The meme showed Ryan Gosling and a girl wading in ankle-deep water.
I had discovered a website full of Ryan Gosling memes, and both of us could relate to the strict legalism the meme creator poked fun at. We’d both heard our parents and church members assure us swimming amounted to one of the seven deadly sins if it took place on the Sabbath. Bird watching, not a sin. Fish watching, clearly a sin because one had to swim to watch the fish.
It took years for us to understand the difference between religion and spirituality. One has to do with following rules (many of which people devised), and the other has to do with relationship and recognizing our place in the universe (hint, we aren’t the center of it).
I’ve discovered how time spent outside can improve my spirituality in profound ways. What kinds of hobbies have you discovered to improve your spirituality?
Show Notes
Ever heard of blue or green exercise?
You can find the Oh, Ranger! app here.
- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
- Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please).
- Visit the person who links up BOTH before you and after you and leave a comment. This helps keep our community vibrant!
I’m sorry to hear you struggled under the burden of legalism, but I’m so glad to hear you have found the freedom of the Spirit. While I’ve never heard of Ryan Gosling, his meme sounds hilarious. Thanks for the laugh!
Lisa Blair recently posted…How to Cultivate a Grateful Heart – 5 Tips for Gratitude
😆. He’s an actor. I can’t even tell you what movies he’s acted in—his name stuck because of the meme!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
I’m glad you both found your spiritual freedom, Anita. ☺️
I know I’ve shared it here before but walking by the waterfront is a hobby of sorts of mine as well as exercise. And it lifts my spirit in ways I can’t express, it’s truly a spiritual experience with the Lord.
Blessings, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…Getting the balance just right!
We need both green and blue exercise! I love water—I just don’t live close to any 😆. You are blessed!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
Oh wow, Anita, I love the way you described the difference between spirituality and religion. And no, we definitely are not at the center of the universe! Now if we could only get more folks to understand that. Thanks for another beautiful message!
Shelbee
It’s a process and a journey! But we’re all on a journey—too often we don’t realize it 😆.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
I relate to what you’re sharing. The sin in my church around swimming was “mixed bathing.” At our youth summer camps, girls weren’t allowed to swim with the boys. We had to cover up walking to and from the pool so the boys would never even see us in our one-piece swimsuits. Glad to have that behind me.
Yikes! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one brought up in a church that confused rules with spirituality! We had to wear one-piece swimming suits (or at-shirt over our two-piece suits 😆—which seems almost worse…
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
I gotta check out that meme!
Seiously, though, I do find being in nature opens me up more to God’s presence – and I’m not even an outdoor person. But seeing the beauty He has made just naturally gets me to conversing with Him.
Jerralea Winn Miller recently posted…A Recap of A Rich and Satisfying Life
There’s a reason they call nature God’s second book! Congrats on finishing you 28-day series!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
Walking without earbuds or media – whether it’s a hike in the mountains or just in my neighborhood – when I take a walk with God, He shows me so very much! We didn’t have strict rules like that in our church growing up! We could play cards, dance and swim on Sundays! However, there are other ways to stand between God and His child ! Thankful for the relationship I have with Him now!
Maryleigh recently posted…Change Coming Means it’s Time to Bake (And Link-Up)
I often wonder why people hike with earbuds in—it seems like such a waste.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…An Avid Reader Explains Why You Should Read The Brilliance of Stars
Walking outside, especially in a beautiful place, is one of the best ways for me to connect with God. A lot of my praying happens while I walk!
You’re my kind of gal! Being outside, no matter the weather, makes me feel God’s presence.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…An Avid Reader Explains Why You Should Read The Brilliance of Stars
Ahhh, Anita. Legalism has a way of sucking the joy out of relationship with God. I like how you and Pedro have figured out how to move beyond legalism and into relationship with the Lord. You know me . . . a camera and a trail open my heart to the Lord and to wanting to share Him with others through photos. 🙂
You know, we live so close (relatively speaking), we need to meet halfway for a weekend photo safari!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
Anita,
I have mightily struggled with legalism over the years. It’s been a real work of God to make the heart switch from religion to spirituality. One hobby (recently adopted) has added to my spiritual journey and taught me a lot about myself and about God — watercolor. I plan to share a post about it next week — thanks for the inspiration!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh! I look forward to seeing your watercolor work! I need to pull out my colors and do some more painting! I’m glad God works with us as we overcome the follies of legalism.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
Spiritual freedom over legalism is so important. Thank you for your reminder.
I’m so glad God set my feet on higher ground 😊.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing
Thank you for these reminders. Pausing to reflect upon your words here today my friend.
Visiting today from #1,2&36
PaulaShort recently posted…Let’s Take A Gratitude Quote Walk {{Sweet Tea & Friends November Link-Up}}
Have a blessed day, Paula!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! God Doesn’t Want to Watch You Perform, He Just Wants You Willing